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The Ravens parted ways with backup offensive guard Ben Cleveland after he was suspended three games for violating the NFL's Performance-Enhancing Drug Policy. Before his suspension, Cleveland had been a healthy scratch in recent weeks, with Emery Jones performing as the top backup behind Andrew Vorhees and Daniel Faalele.
Cleveland was not paid for the three-game absence and was eligible to return for the season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 18. Now, Cleveland is headed to the postseason without his old team, while heading to familiar faces. Ian Rapoport reports that Cleveland is signing with the Chargers' practice squad.
Last season, Cleveland saw action in all 17 regular-season games as a backup at left guard, plus both playoff contests. The 2021 third-round pick finished the final year of his rookie deal and had no major suitors on the open market.
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The suspension came after Cleveland faced legal issues last February. According to the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office, Cleveland was suspected of drunk driving in Milledgeville, Ga., on Feb. 12 and cited for DUI.
According to the report, Cleveland admitted to drinking "approximately 3-4 beers" at a nearby country club before getting behind the wheel. Cleveland failed at least one field sobriety test, and his 178 on the test was more than double the legal limit of .08.
Cleveland reportedly was given two separate citations -- one for DUI - alcohol and the other for failure to maintain lane. He recently pleaded guilty and was placed on probation.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ben Cleveland signs with Chargers practice squad
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